SXSW EDU 2019

Making Culture: A National Study of Ed Makerspaces

Description:

In June 2018 we released Making Culture, the first in-depth nationwide examination of K-12 education makerspaces. Our research highlights how makerspaces foster positive learning outcomes, but also reflect gaps in inclusion common in the STEM fields. Participation rates change dramatically by gender from K-8 to high school, and language analysis reveals evidence of implicit bias in instruction & recruitment. We will also present new efforts at the Drexel ExCITe Center to address these findings.


Related Media

Additional Supporting Materials

Other Resources / Information


Takeaways

  1. Maker education starts with culture. Focus first on the culture of your space, which is the foundation for sustained student learning.
  2. Spaces must be intentional and vigilant in recruiting inclusively. Avoid exclusionary language and imagery in recruiting instructors and students.
  3. Implicit bias is pervasive & insidious. Raise awareness, particularly of language, communications, and curriculum design that may propagate bias.

Speakers


Organizer

Youngmoo Kim, Director and Professor, ExCITe Center, Drexel University


Meta Information:

  • Tags: maker ed, diversity
  • Event: SXSW EDU
  • Format: Case Study
  • Track: Learning Spaces
  • Session Focus Area
  • Level: Basic Understanding


Add Comments

comments powered by Disqus

SXSW reserves the right to restrict access to or availability of comments related to PanelPicker proposals that it considers objectionable.